Massachusetts Home Solar Electric Installations Quadruple in Two Years

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Infographic explains the residential solar installation boom in Massachusetts. High electricity bills, federal and state solar tax credits, and a growing number of ways to "go solar" and save money make Massachusetts' cold climate a hot one for PV energy production. (May 2013)(Graphic: Business Wire)

May 22, 2013 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

BURLINGTON, Mass. & NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the cost of fossil fuels rises, the cost of renewables declines, with
solar leading the way for homeowners. With its eco-conscious population,
a growing number of options for going solar, and enticing Federal and
state-level incentives, Massachusetts now ranks 6th
nationwide for overall solar production. In fact, residential
solar installations more than quadrupled between 2010 and 2012. This Massachusetts
CEC data, along with economic factors driving the trend in solar
purchases, is outlined in a new solar infographic released today by RevoluSun.

RevoluSun has installed more than 3,500 residential
photovoltaic (PV) systems and is helping Bay State homeowners seize
this perfect storm of opportunities by making it easy to lease or
purchase a custom solar system. More and more residents are opting to
buy their system in order to realize the greatest electric bill savings
and receive income from solar credits. A solar purchase is also often a
way for eager homeowners, whose roofs don’t fit the stringent specs that
a solar lease requires, to actually “go solar.”

Framingham resident and genetic counselor, Judy Jackson explains, “I
always wanted solar panels. After hours of research and scrutinizing
every detail and option, I realized how much we would save in
electricity costs in addition to the money that would be generated from
solar renewable energy credits (SRECs)
during the next 10 years. We made the leap and bought 24 high-efficiency
solar panels, which cost nearly 40% less after the tax credits and
rebate.”

“We have already seen huge returns, greater than RevoluSun estimated,
indicating the system is well on its way to helping us financially.
Since late January, even with our snowy winter, we produced about 3,000
Kw hours of energy. That’s enough for three SRECs, which have an
estimated value of $285 each at the Department of Energy Resources
auction,” added Ms. Jackson.

“Massachusetts is adopting solar so quickly that Governor Patrick just
announced a new State goal: 1,600 megawatts of solar capacity by 2020 –
enough to power 240,000 homes annually,” stated Kip George, President of
RevoluSun’s Burlington office. “Mass has the 7th highest electricity
rates in the U.S. but at the same time, Federal and state incentives
are tremendous and utilities must meet annual goals for solar electric
production, so they’re eager to leverage residential solar power.”

Today’s solar electric panels are guaranteed for 25 years but are
expected to last 40 years. At current electricity prices, a solar system
pays for itself in six-to-eight years, depending on market conditions.
For a typical Massachusetts homeowner, the lifetime energy savings
average $76,200.

“Timing and incentives have never been better for Massachusetts
homeowners to go solar. We’re hiring as fast as we can to keep up with
demand for solar education and installation in the greater Boston area,”
said Doug Pierce, GM of RevoluSun’s Newton office.

About RevoluSun

An award-winning solar integrator, RevoluSun
makes solar energy an affordable, attractive option for every homeowner
and business. RevoluSun is revolutionizing solar and has designed and
installed thousands of photovoltaic projects that generate more than 30
MW of energy – bringing cleaner, smarter energy to communities one
rooftop at a time. Headquartered in Honolulu, with offices in Newton and
Burlington, Massachusetts, RevoluSun delivers the highest quality of
service, technology and design in renewable energy. For more info, visit www.massachusetts.revolusun.com,
follow the company on Twitter @RevoluSun or call 617.969.8888 or
781.270.6555.